Download Item:

Abstract:

This paper examines infrastructure preferences for cyclists.
While the
culture
of
cycling in the
UK and Ireland
has
experienced some growth over the past decade,
particularly in the urban areas,
much debate exists as to
the most favourable
infrastructure
types to promote cycling.
In Ireland, the Irish National Cycle Policy
Framework acknowledges that investment in cycling infrastructure type and quality
has been ‘in many cases, inadequate’ and has, generally, not led to an overall increase
in cycling numbers.
Therefore, in order to ensure future investment is targeted where
it is likely to be most effective in achieving adopted mode share targets for cycling,
the following research has been undertaken to determine the factors which most
influence cycling route choice. In particular, the research aims to determine the
factors, which have greatest influence on cycle route infrastructure preference the
correlation between the level of cycling confidence and preferred types of
infrastructure and route characteristics.
A stated preference survey, undertaken by almost 2,000 cyclists and non-cyclists, was used to gauge preferences for a range of infrastructure types and route
characteristics. Results from the survey were compared against individual
characteristics, such as age, gender and level of cycling confidence. This comparison
provides the authors with a robust data set to determine infrastructure
types, which
are
most likely to influence
a mode shift to cycling.
Results from the survey supports similar research undertaken internationally,
travel time is the most critical factor in determining route choice. The second most
critical factor was infrastructure type. Facilities which were segregated from traffic
were the most preferred form of cycling infrastructure, regardless of cycling
confidence. Interestingly, routes through residential streets and parks were the second
most favoured, where no specific infrastructure is provided with the exception of
improvements in
way-
finding. Routes which offered no facilities were least favoured
and least likely to support a shift to cycling. Combined bus/cycle lanes were also
negatively viewed, again regardless of cycling confidence. Unsurprisingly, the
research demonstrates that cyclists and non-cyclists are most likely to choose routes
with the least amount of junctions.
This is also demonstrated regardless of the level of
cycling confidence. The research is the first to look at the relationship betwe
en route
preference and cyclist volumes and concludes that cyclists with little confidence in
cycling are most likely to choose routes with a higher volume of cyclists while
confident cyclists, whose value of time is high, are likely to choose routes which
present minimal delay and therefore fewer cyclists.
It is hoped that results from the survey will provide advice and guidance to
transport practioners in the planning and design of cycle networks and infrastructure